SEAMAN WHO PLAYED WITH TELEGRAPH OF FERRY FINED £22

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 October 1950, Page 2

SEAMAN WHO PLAYED WITH TELEGRAPH OF FERRY FINED £22

AUCKLAND, Oct. 2.—When the ferry Ngalro was half way to Birkenhead from Northcote last night, the handle of the ship’s telegraph moved from full ahead to full astern several times. These strange signals caused some consternation, and the engineer stopped the ship. The captain knew someone was interfering with the handle in the aft wheelhouse, but he could not see anyone in or near it. However, he suspected a man who had got on at Northcote. When the ship got under way, the telegraph was again interfered with. As the ship was getting close to the wharf, these false signals were a menace to the safety of the ship and passengers. The captain had to hold the telegraph handle with his left hand and steer with his right. The fireman searched for the suspect, and when he was at the top of the companion way he heard three more false signals. He then saw a man leave the aft wheelhouse. When the ship berthed, the ingineer accused the man of interfering witn the telegraph, but he denied it. When the captain left to telephone the police, the engineer and fireman stood by to see that the man, James Edward Todd, aged 28, seaman, did not leave the ship. PUT ON A HEADLOCK After attempting to leave the ship and realising that he was going to be restrained, Todd drew his right foot back as though he was going to kick the The engineer stepped in and put a headlock on Todd and threw him to -he deck. Todd then jumped over the rails and .on to a pontoon, but he was intercepted by the engineer as he was walking up the ramp. Todd suddenly attacked the engineer, punching him several times on the face. When a constable arrived, he found blood streaming down the engineer’s face. This summary was given in the Police Court today by Sub-Inspector M. E. Lines, when Todd, dressed only in trousers and a bloodstained shirt, appeared on charges of disorderly behaviour, assaulting Richard McLean and obstructing the crew in the navigation of their vessel. Represented by Mr. Lloyd Brown. Todd pleaded guilty to all charges. Mr. Brown said that Todd was a first offender and was ashamed of himself. He had been out with a friend celebrating the birth of a son and han too much liquor. Mr. H. Jenner Wiley, S.M., fined Todd a total of £22.